Newcastle Castle: A Timeless Icon Of Norman Heritage

Newcastle Castle in Newcastle upon Tyne is a partially restored Norman fortification and one of the best preserved of its kind in Britain.

Newcastle Castle is a must-visit attraction in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne which not only explores the rich history of the city but also offers incredible views from its rooftop.

Newcastle was a major medieval town and important place of trade but also lay close to the borders in what were often troubled times.

The Black Gate and Castle Keep have been subject to a vast amount of research over the last couple of years which has revealed a colourful and grim history.

The uncovered stories include prisoners being hung drawn and quartered to an unusual tale of a youngster being killed by a flying donkey!

The Keep currently stands as one of the UK's finest medieval stone castle dungeons which is still open to the public.

As the ‘castle’ that gave Newcastle its name, it has seen over 800 years of history and today provides an exciting walk through Britain’s medieval past.

Strategically positioned, Newcastle Castle's site has been inhabited for nearly 2,000 years, initially fortified by the Romans in the mid-2nd century.

Robert Curthose, eldest son of William the Conqueror, erected a wooden motte and bailey castle in 1080 on the former Roman fort's grounds.

This structure, named the 'New Castle upon Tyne,' emerged following Curthose's return from a campaign against Malcolm III of Scotland.

Subsequently, between 1172 and 1177, Henry II constructed the stone Castle Keep atop Curthose's castle site.

The stone structure standing today was constructed by King Henry II during the late 12th century and underwent subsequent modifications over the following century.

Notably, the addition of the 'Black Gate' barbican occurred during the reign of Henry III.

In the late 13th century, further fortification of the castle occurred with the construction of stone walls, complete with towers, encompassing the town.

The security offered by these town walls resulted in the castle's fabric being overlooked.

By 1589, during Queen Elizabeth I's reign, the castle was noted as being in a state of ruin.

This deterioration was exacerbated from the early 17th century onward by the erection of shops and houses across much of the site.

While briefly refortified during the English Civil War, serving as the last Royalist stronghold in the city, Newcastle Castle would never see military action again.

Subsequently, it was repurposed as a prison for a period before ultimately succumbing to ruin.

Today, the castle’s Kepp is a Grade 1 listed structure and a scheduled monument.

Recently, the Castle Keep and the Black Gate underwent renovations by the Heart of the City partnership, reopening on March 21, 2015, as Newcastle Castle.

Enhancements include increased accessibility, facilitated by an external lift installed in the Black Gate.

New features consist of an education centre, reception/gift shop, and museum room within the Black Gate, along with audio-visual installations in the Castle Keep, which narrate the site's history and the lives of its inhabitants throughout the ages.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the ancient passageways and chambers, discover the hidden stories of the Castle’s inhabitants over the centuries, and take a journey up the roof to see the most commanding views of the city.

From a royal fortress to grim dungeons, new exhibits allow visitors to experience what life would have been like for inhabitants in these two astonishingly preserved medieval buildings.

The Newcastle Castle has also hosted several ghost-hunting exhibitions due to its grim history and apparent sightings of The Poppy Girl, a previous resident of the castle who was jailed for owing people money and was beaten and died in the castle prison.

The castle is open 7 days a week from April to October. From November to March, Newcastle Castle will be open 5 days per week.

Someone who recently visited the castle said: “There is some fascinating history exhibited and the view from the top is awesome although a bit windy.

”Take a walk down dog leap stairs to the quayside and imagine the lives of the people who live there.”

Another person added: “Loads of information about the history of the castle. Lots of steep steps to climb. Great views from the top.

”Really good value at £9,50 pp. Staff were also great and very helpful. Would thoroughly recommend.”

Newcastle Castle is located in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, and can be reached via the A1.

The nearest major public car park is on Dean Street, a short walk away, while limited street parking outside the Castle Keep is also available.

If you’d like to visit, the address is: The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ.

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